Observation

My leaf reduction technique was well-executed. Removing ~¼ and reducing the
rest encouraged internal light, better airflow, and controlled backbudding.

The flush of new growth afterward? An amazing good sign. But:

New leaves are tender—they don’t yet have the waxy cuticle or lignin support to handle heat.

In a heat spell, transpiration outruns root supply, especially if the roots were already working hard post-defoliation.

There was some wilting, likely transpirational stress, not failure. I’m giving the tree some additional watering and some shade in the heat of the day.